MBSR: Mindful-Based Stress Reduction

The Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) program is an eight-week introduction to mindfulness practice, including seated meditation and gentle yoga. Developed at the University of Massachusetts Medical School, it is designed to teach people how to take better care of themselves and participate fully in improving their health, well-being and quality of life. This program teaches you how to take charge of your life by learning to work consciously, systematically and skillfully with all types of stress including sleep disturbances, pain, illness, relationship stress, job or school stress and the challenges and demands of daily life.

The MBSR program consists of eight weekly 1.5-hour sessions and one 3-hour retreat held on a weekend. This highly participatory, practical course includes

Guided instruction in mindfulness meditation practices

Gentle stretching and mindful yoga

Group discussion aimed at enhancing awareness in everyday life

Review of physiological and psychological components of the stress cycle

Skills for responding to specific types of stress

Daily personal practice

Tens of thousands of people have taken and benefited from this course. The Counseling Center at Southern Connecticut State University is pleased to offer it for the first time on campus. It is open to undergraduate and graduate students. It requires a commitment to attend all weekly meetings, one weekend day retreat and practice a few minutes every day. Pre-registration required and class size is limited.